travel and tourism in california Gas prices are climbing everywhere, but I hear in parts of Southern California that they have already topped $4 a gallon. I wonder how that will impact travel and tourism in California this summer. The travel and tourism in California is a big industry, but with sky high fuel costs, it may restrict some people's abilitiy to vacation in that state until they fall. According to a recent news article, shop keepers are seeing a drop in customers and those who do come in are not buying, just browsing. There is fear that this travel season will be as slow as the travel season post 911, so many in travel and tourism in California are concerned that this season will be slow, and they may adjust their prices and staffing accordingly. Experts fear that people will either not travel in California, or if they do, they will spend far less on meals, souveniers, and stay in less expensive hotels. When the economy improves, and people adjust their driving habits or buy fuel efficient cars, travel will pick up and travel and tourism in California will flourish once again.